A regional flight across New South Wales turned into a precautionary diversion on February 22nd 2026, when the crew of a REX Regional Express Saab 340B shut down an engine after detecting electrical and engine anomalies mid-flight.
The Regional Express Airlines Saab 340B, registered VH-RXE, was operating flight ZL-6469 from Griffith, New South Wales to Sydney. The aircraft was cruising at Flight Level 130, approximately 70 nautical miles south of Parkes, New South Wales, when the crew observed an electrical fault on the right-hand side of the aircraft.
Shortly thereafter, abnormal indications were noted from the right-hand CT7 engine. As a precaution, the crew elected to shut the engine down and divert to Parkes. The aircraft entered a series of holding patterns to manage the situation and prepare for arrival before conducting a safe landing on runway 04 approximately 75 minutes after the initial diversion decision.
There were no reports of injuries, and the aircraft taxied in without further incident.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau stated that a decision on whether to open a formal investigation has not yet been made, pending further information from the operator.
The aircraft remained on the ground for maintenance checks and returned to service about 36 hours after landing.
Engine shutdowns in flight, while uncommon, are procedures for which flight crews are rigorously trained. Modern twin-engine turboprops like the Saab 340B are certified to continue flight safely on a single engine, and in this case, the crew’s prompt actions ensured a controlled and uneventful conclusion to the flight.
